Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Legion on March 12, 2012, 06:21:11 PM
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Welcome aboard (http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2656087,00.html)
Confirmation of deal separate to random conjecture and speculation in Bosman thread.
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Looks a bit of a fanny with that Alice band, also might need to change his name to Gordon or Bill.
Welcome aboard the McLeish out bandwagon son.
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Good luck Brett.
No fancy stuff and stay rigidly in your position and you'll do alright by McLeish.
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As long as he can throw a shrimp on a barbie, then he's ok by me.
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As I put in the bosman thread, he'll run his bollocks off for us, welcome aboard.
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Must say the Macron kit looks good on him...
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Good.
Do we know how he has been doing with AZ this season? They are top of the League.
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Don't know much about him, but is a good age, and appears to have a decent enough pedigree in an area IMO we are light. So decent start to the summer transfer stuff by the looks of it. Lets hope Eck as he is clearly staying put has a genuine chance to add 6-7 of his own to the squad and change it up a bit.
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At least it's a player from a Foreign League for a change, something we never had under Martin 'Vampires can't cross water' O'Neill.
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never heard of him before to be honest,been playing at a decent level though so cant be too bad!
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Chris Herd should help him settle, its always helpful when you move to a strange foreign country to have somebody that speaks your language.
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Sounds promising. Welcome, Brett.
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Don't tell them this as I'm a huge cricket nut but I'm a big fan of Aussies in general.
Their attitude is usually spot on and they never mug you off.
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Seemed okay at World Cup 2010. Other than that, none the wiser but happy to find out.
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Hopefully this its one of six our seven more. The squad needs renewing, especially in the midfield.
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The girlfriend fancies him.
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Good.
Do we know how he has been doing with AZ this season? They are top of the League.
He's got 4 goals and 10 assists, mainly from the wing in the Erdevise and another 2 goals and 3 assists in the UEFA Cup.
Not the most exciting signing, particualy compare to other wing talent in the Dutch top flight, but he's free I s'pose. Was just kidding myself that it was going to be Alan Dzagoev, Flamini or Douglas, just thought it would be a gem to compliment the season ticket campaign!
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Described as a second striker on wikki so I'd guess he's earmarked for the Ireland position.
Does anyone know whether he can play wide-ish? I think Albrighton and Nzogbia could do with greater competition **cough Hoillet**, whereas I think Ireland has been very good for us recently.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brett_Holman
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Sounds alright, will have to wait and see as I don't remember seeing him play. Saying that I seem to have MON's syndrome and don't tend to watch football from overseas.
Welcome to Villa Brett.
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Good luck to him.
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This is part of our plan to 'move 6 or 7 players on', I'm assuming that this is our Makoun replacement.
Hope he does well, better than Jean has at least.
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AZ are playing Udinese on Thursday at 6.00 on ESPN. Might be worth a watch.
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This is what he is capable of.
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I predict that with this double 't' first name, Bret can join the likes of Nigel Spinks, Stuart Downing and Bernie Gallagher in the list of most frequently mis-spelled Villa players.
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I predict that with this double 't' first name, Bret can join the likes of Nigel Spinks, Stuart Downing and Bernie Gallacher in the list of most frequently mis-spelled Villa players.
And somehow Gary Gardener and Ciaran Clarke (how do people get those wrong?)
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Actually, I quite often get Kieren's surname wrong.
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I predict that with this double 't' first name, Bret can join the likes of Nigel Spinks, Stuart Downing and Bernie Gallacher in the list of most frequently mis-spelled Villa players.
And somehow Gary Gardener and Ciaran Clarke (how do people get those wrong?)
I know its petty and theres more important things to worry myself with etc etc but it pisses me the fuck off when people put an E on the end of Clark.
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Competition on the wings is one of our weak points at the moment - Albrighton and NZogbia are the only real wide players. This guy at least adds some competition.
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A poition we needed strengthening and to provide competition. Welcome aboard.
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Good luck Brett, I hope you do well. As others have said this needs to be the first of about 7 with Heskey, Dunne and Warnock leaving.
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Brett Holman - proper Australian name. I hope he has a decent perm, and sunblock on his lower lip.
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Brett Holman - proper Australian name. I hope he has a decent perm, and sunblock on his lower lip.
And no Charlie on his top lip unlike another Antipodean who was with us a while back.
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He sounds like he's switched codes after two successful seasons as five-eighth for Parramatta Fighting-Fish
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Hopefully he's solid and dependable. We need some more consistent players in midfield. He's got experience, and his background suggest he'll take to the Premiership pretty well.
Good that we're starting early on the transfer front. We're extremely short on experienced numbers.
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I hope he does well.
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No negatives from me, at least until I've seen him play.
As long as he's better than that wanker out of Suede.
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Hate to say this but I've seen quite a bit of him when he's played for Australia - never rated him at all.
Not sure we really needed another wide man either. Atleast we might start getting some decent coverage here now with him and Herd playing.
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Stay positive. Eck has acted fast and brought in a player of decent pedigree to an area we need players in. You have to imagine we wouldn't have been the only club knocking on his door, either.
Welcome Holman. Be seein' you soon. I'll watch him play on Thurs, see what he's capable of.
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Will do a job,runs all day but not a game turning player.
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Will do a job,runs all day but not a game turning player.
Brett Emerton-like then?
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I didn't rate him and thought he was terribly crap until the World Cup last year. Can have a tendency to run around like a headless chook and seem a bit aimless. He has bags of energy and never stops running, good pace and he has developed an eye for goal. I have my doubts as to whether he is good enough to be a regular contributor in the Prem. At the same time he might be able to fill that Milner sized hole in midfield that we have had for the last 2 years with his energy.
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Yes but more lightweight.
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McLeish mentioned recently we need more energy in midfield so it's a signing that seems to fit that purpose.
The AZ-Udinese second leg is on ESPN on Thursday so I'll watch that to see how he gets on as Udinese are a good team.
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Probably a bit better than Emerton; a bit more skill on the ball. But similar strengths: consistency, commitment, energy, intelligence. He was derided by Australian fans until a few years ago, but has developed into one of the national team's more important players. Won't dominate, but will provide reliable support.
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If we have any more bonding holidays I suggest we use him and Chris Herd to keep order. He looks a hard bastard. I like hard bastards.
There is also a very good but extremely obscure pun in there about Randy asking to be kept in the picture about the Holman Hunt.
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Matt Kendrick has tweeted he will be on a 4 year contract
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I will say it now. If he turns out any good then McLeish will have been bloody lucky. He didn't really mean to sign him.
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Can he play right back?
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fuck me!! Summer business in March. Usually March is utterly miserable and here we've had a win and a signing in the last 72 hours. I've already predicted that Villa Park front doors will need to be of the revolving glass variety. It should certainly be very interesting.
Welcome Brett
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I will say it now. If he turns out any good then McLeish will have been bloody lucky. He didn't really mean to sign him.
and if he's shit then he's the kind of signing the noses would have made and McLeish is a negative nose spy here to relegate us.
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Well this is a sad day. Mcleish planning for the summer! Truly gutting
Oh welcome aboard Brett
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He's costing nothing and comes in on a 4 year contract, so after a couple of seasons if it doesn't work out we will still probably sell him for few quid to a team in Holland where he's proven himself.
If on the other hand he turns out to be a good signing, then even better.
At least we are not just throwing money at over rated and over paid players just because they play or have played in the prem.
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Well this is a sad day. Mcleish planning for the summer! Truly gutting
Oh welcome aboard Brett
You better get used to him being here because given our investemt in hiring, firing and settlements he's not going anywhere. Also, shouldn't you be commending him for being proactive and doing some business done so soon? That's surely a good thing? He's just signed the Australia footballer of the year on a free, and that country has produced some very solid footballers in the last number of years.
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I didn't rate him and thought he was terribly crap until the World Cup last year. Can have a tendency to run around like a headless chook and seem a bit aimless. He has bags of energy and never stops running, good pace and he has developed an eye for goal. I have my doubts as to whether he is good enough to be a regular contributor in the Prem. At the same time he might be able to fill that Milner sized hole in midfield that we have had for the last 2 years with his energy.
sounds similar to the yank we got last year? look what happened to him. good luck any way. welcome to the greatest club on the planet
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That Yank has been brilliant in Italy this season apparently.
The premier league is kind to players who graft hard, so he may well be an astute addition. Hard working wide players are useful in tough games.
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Well this is a sad day. Mcleish planning for the summer! Truly gutting
Oh welcome aboard Brett
I'd call a sad day one when we lose or something bad happens, not when we make what looks to be a decent signing with the minimum of fuss three months ahead of schedule.
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Well this is a sad day. Mcleish planning for the summer! Truly gutting
Oh welcome aboard Brett
You better get used to him being here because given our investemt in hiring, firing and settlements he's not going anywhere. Also, shouldn't you be commending him for being proactive and doing some business done so soon? That's surely a good thing? He's just signed the Australia footballer of the year on a free, and that country has produced some very solid footballers in the last number of years.
You're probably right TV. I just can't bear the thought of him being in charge past this season
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Accepting football isn't like normal businesses, most appointments carry an element of risk. That's life.
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Well g'day Brett.
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I'm sure Bret will link up well with Crabby Adonginawhore.
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Chris Herd should help him settle, its always helpful when you move to a strange foreign country to have somebody that speaks your language.
lol
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I work with lots of Australians. Technically, they are always extremely proficient. They are also hard-working, honest, loyal and never give up on a lost cause.
But besides this, they go on and on and on about 'back home' as if you give a shit.
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Is back home Summer bay?
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It's nice to see us signing a player from outside the UK. Something which almost never happened with that lazy pube headed fuck O'Neill.
Oh, for the days when we'd sign Marlon Harewood or Heskey and have to pretend we thought it was a decent signing, rather than the result of having a manager who couldn't be arsed to do a bit of scouting.
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Mark Bosnich - who weirdly finishes all his tweets with 'xmb' - had this to say:
Oh P.S. re; Brett Holman while living in Holland he has picked up a wee bit of a Dutch accent-knock that out of him immediately-xmb
We'll have to send him to Hitzlsperger's voice coach.
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A signing before January, amazing. Welcome aboard
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Mark Bosnich - who weirdly finishes all his tweets with 'xmb' - had this to say:
Oh P.S. re; Brett Holman while living in Holland he has picked up a wee bit of a Dutch accent-knock that out of him immediately-xmb
We'll have to send him to Hitzlsperger's voice coach.
He's currently with Andreas Wei ay mann.
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Good luck to him. However as this is further evidence that McLeish is going nowhere I am gutted to be honest. I still had hope of a fresh start in July but now it's looking desperately unlikely.
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Sorry, can thread titles only using players' names be banned? ''New Signing Agreed: Brett Holman'' or summat would do the job. If this topic didn't have five pages I wouldn't have bothered looking. Hard enough to get a few minutes of online skiving at the moment when the boss is sat next to me.
/grumble
We could do with another winger I guess. Haven't heard of the bloke but at least it might entice more females to come to Villa Park cos if I was one I'd like to stroke his locks.
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Great to see a bit of business being completed at this time of year. Welcome aboard.
I imagine his preferred pronunciation of his first name would be "Breddy", however.
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Welcome Brett, I mean G'Day mate!
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Has a reasonable pedigree and physically will be more able for the league than Makoun.
Welcome aboard Brett. Good to have a new face coming in anyway.
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As long as he's better than that wanker out of Suede.
I consider him to be a bisexual man who's never had a holmosexual experience.
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Welcome, Brett.
What a breath of fresh air....
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Always been a fan, he has a good 'engine', always puts in a shift and doesn't go missing during games.
An excellent (early) addition to the squad.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brett_Holman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brett_Holman)
Here's what the National Coach had to say about him, last year:
http://www.goal.com/en/news/14/asia/2011/10/13/2708956/az-alkmaars-brett-holman-is-the-complete-player-should-be (http://www.goal.com/en/news/14/asia/2011/10/13/2708956/az-alkmaars-brett-holman-is-the-complete-player-should-be)
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I'm not sure I would call him a 'winger' or even a 'wide player'. He reminded me of an under 7s player when he first started showing up in the roos squad, always running after the ball instead of playing his position which is generally more central supporting the strikers.
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Good luck to him. However as this is further evidence that McLeish is going nowhere I am gutted to be honest. I still had hope of a fresh start in July but now it's looking desperately unlikely.
That's what I thought when I found out he only had 53 international caps.
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Good luck to him. However as this is further evidence that McLeish is going nowhere I am gutted to be honest. I still had hope of a fresh start in July but now it's looking desperately unlikely.
That's what I thought when I found out he only had 53 international caps.
I'm starting to change my mind about him, he scored a cracking goal for the Aussies in January.
Against India.
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He's not a bad player and this is a good deal. A free transfer for a player who is an established international.
Think about it, Holman or Heskey in midfield?
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Well one thing is for sure is it's an early indication that McLeish is staying and is being allowed to start early in the process of changing things around.
It's also a very early signing, there is no messing about and leaving things until the last minute of the window. Hopefully this will be his intent from now on wards.
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Well he's certainly saying the right things to ingratiate himself with us
http://www.telegraaf.nl/telesport/voetbal/az/11702524/__Holman__Eerst_de_titel_met_AZ__.html (http://www.telegraaf.nl/telesport/voetbal/az/11702524/__Holman__Eerst_de_titel_met_AZ__.html) - Pop it into Google Translate to unravel the Dutch.
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That sounds like a lot of messing about Neil. Can't you do it?
Isn't he worried about us getting relegated? He must be fucking deluded.
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Will do a job,runs all day but not a game turning player.
Frank Carrodous comes to mind.
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We need new players, why not take a chance on this bloke? Artur Numan is scouting for us in Europe (I believe) I'm sure he can spot a good player when he see's one. He played with some world class wingers/players during his time with the National Team.
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If we have any more bonding holidays I suggest we use him and Chris Herd to keep order. He looks a hard bastard. I like hard bastards.
There is also a very good but extremely obscure pun in there about Randy asking to be kept in the picture about the Holman Hunt.
Damn I was trying to come up with something like that
For those not of a an artistic bent (dont!) Holman Hunt was like Rolf Harris but better.
Then again he didnt have three legs!
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I reckon we could sign Messi and some of you would find fault ;)
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This is what he is capable of.
The fact that he just used his left foot is enough for me to like him :)
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The view of a Dutch friend (and Feyenoord fan): "With AZ he is quite good, but more because of his mentality and energy than due to his technique or tactical genius. So I would say rather an english type of player. I would assume you would have several of these already".
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I reckon we could sign Messi and some of you would find fault ;)
Robbie Keane's loan signing was viewed by some as desperate and piss poor by many before he arrived, I have no reason to think that any signing AMcL makes would be seen otherwise.
Time to remove the blinkers I think.
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Could be decent. He's free, good age. Australian footballers generally seem to have a good attitude; he'll be competitive. Read that he's a winger or a second striker, so he's a option for the kind of formation we seem to be discovering suits us best - one central striker and three attacking players behind.
I'm not the first to say, I'm sure, but Numan's probably been involved in this signing. Good to see something a bit different.
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He'll add much needed competition and probably isn't on anything like the sort of wages that some of our squad players have been on in the past. Hopefully he'll offer far more contribution too.
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Always been a fan, he has a good 'engine', always puts in a shift and doesn't go missing during games.
I congratulate you on squeezing into one sentence #56, #83 and #117 from the "Pundit's Cliche Guide to Soccer"; Chapter 4 - Gods and Generals - the Midfield
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Always been a fan, he has a good 'engine', always puts in a shift and doesn't go missing during games.
I congratulate you on squeezing into one sentence #56, #83 and #117 from the "Pundit's Cliche Guide to Soccer"; Chapter 4 - Gods and Generals - the Midfield
'Like'
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I reckon we could sign Messi and some of you would find fault ;)
Robbie Keane's loan signing was viewed by some as desperate and piss poor by many before he arrived, I have no reason to think that any signing AMcL makes would be seen otherwise.
Time to remove the blinkers I think.
Agreed Sir Algernon
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Don't know enough about him to judge how good he is but good luck to him. Think we're gonna have to get used to free transfers because i'm guessing this is the first of many - just hope Mcleish is a bit more savvy in the transfer market than MON was.
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This ill informed bollocks from twitter actually made it onto the BBC -
"How can MacLeish think one average signing will save villa from a rough ride to avoid relegation #bbcsportsday".
That's embarrassing on a number of levels.
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Always been a fan, he has a good 'engine', always puts in a shift and doesn't go missing during games.
I congratulate you on squeezing into one sentence #56, #83 and #117 from the "Pundit's Cliche Guide to Soccer"; Chapter 4 - Gods and Generals - the Midfield
'Like'
Luv it!
I missed out #47 He always gives %110 and #136 He's a good honest lad.
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Did AZ not offer Holman a contract or was he looking to move ?
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This ill informed bollocks from twitter actually made it onto the BBC -
"How can MacLeish think one average signing will save villa from a rough ride to avoid relegation #bbcsportsday".
That's embarrassing on a number of levels.
Just read it myself and thought exactly the same thing.
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I think it's brilliant that Gary Numan is scouting for us in Holland.
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Like a lot of you, I really don't know anything about the player, but a few things strike me on the positiive side:-
1. He's 27, so not one of these aging Bosmans clubs want rid of due to wges.
2. Playing for a top side in a decent league.
3. Also an international.
4. Positionally, I think he'll fit in as one of the 3 in a 4-2-3-1.
Good luck to the bloke and hope it turns into a good move for him and us!
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Don't know enough about him to judge how good he is but good luck to him. Think we're gonna have to get used to free transfers because i'm guessing this is the first of many - just hope Mcleish is a bit more savvy in the transfer market than MON was.
Yep, agree. AM has more or less spelled that out recently - we'll scout the Bosman market for players and also add a couple of players who'll command a fee. I don't have a problem with that per se; we have the bones of a decent squad and if we can add two strong players who cost reasonable fees and then a few who are free in the right positions - like Holman - then we'll be in good shape.
It's all about the players, of course, but I do think we can add quality if we're shrewd enough.
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Wonder who's for the chop? I'd say it was between Ireland, albrighton, Heskey or Bent
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Heskey would be the obvious one as he's out of contract and on big big wages.
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Heskey would be the obvious one as he's out of contract and on big big wages.
yeh but this guy seems more a winger even though he's listed as 2nd striker(?). If we flogged Bent i guess Gabby could go up front with him behind.
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I think it's brilliant that Gary Numan is scouting for us in Holland.
His unique brand of synthpop and new wave industrial gothrock will prove invaluble in unearthing new talent.
We have just appointed Kraftwerk as our German scouts and David Sylvian is going to have a nose about in the far east.
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G'day Brett! Welcome to the melting pot that is H&V!
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I think it's brilliant that Gary Numan is scouting for us in Holland.
Just as long as Numan dosent offer to fly any new signings to Blighty.
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David Sylvian is have a nose about in the far east.
nosing about in someone's far east can be fun, I guess.
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Wonder who's for the chop? I'd say it was between Ireland, albrighton, Heskey or Bent
In terms of the squad, then Heskey obviously.
In terms of the first team, then Albrighton.
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I think it's brilliant that Gary Numan is scouting for us in Holland.
Old Numan has a thick skin, so he'll be alright with us.
As he said in the 'I'm a pop star' documentary
'You'd be surprised how many people can come up to you in a day and call you a wanker.'
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I think it's brilliant that Gary Numan is scouting for us in Holland.
Old Numan has a thick skin, so he'll be alright with us.
As he said in the 'I'm a pop star' documentary
'You'd be surprised how many people can come up to you in a day and call you a wanker.'
True enough.
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On the plus side ................ he's used to wearing Macron.
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He was sports writers player of the year over there in 2011. And yes I know it's only the Dutch league
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I am surprised that Gary Numan is surprised that people come up to him and call him a wanker.
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I am surprised that Gary Numan is surprised that people come up to him and call him a wanker.
But that does explain the high position of his eyebrows on his forehead.
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His admiration of ancient South American cultures doesn't make him a wanker though.
Just because he thinks the only way to live is Incas, doesn't give people the right to abuse him.
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His admiration of ancient South American cultures doesn't make him a wanker though.
Just because he thinks the only way to live is Incas, doesn't give people the right to abuse him.
Numan loves our club.
I asked him if he thinks we're still a good team and he told me
'We are class'
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"here in Aikmaar: I feel safest of all..."
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Numan's a Brummie too. I bet you didn't know that.
I found this out the other day when I asked him what preference did his mates have for heating their homes.
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"here in Aikmaar: I feel safest of all..."
Winner.
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Numan's a Brummie too
Nah, he's a Wolves fan and he's no stranger to football violence
He's one of the top boys in the Tubeway Army
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I am surprised that Gary Numan is surprised that people come up to him and call him a wanker.
Easy fella - your talking about the man i love
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He's one of the top boys in the Tubeway Army
I prefer John Foxx's Underpass myself.
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He's one of the top boys in the Tubeway Army
I prefer John Foxx's Underpass myself.
That's the only Foxx track I like
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He's one of the top boys in the Tubeway Army
I prefer John Foxx's Underpass myself.
That's the only Foxx track I like
Except it sounds like he's singing Underpants.
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He's one of the top boys in the Tubeway Army
I prefer John Foxx's Underpass myself.
That's the only Foxx track I like
Except it sounds like he's singing Underpants.
It would improve if he did it Underwater.
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Bret Hitman Holman. The best there was, the best there is and the best there ever will be.
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Bret Hitman Holman. The best there was, the best there is and the best there ever will be.
:)
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Bret Hitman Holman. The best there was, the best there is and the best there ever will be.
Careful - some will read that and expect him to take out Big Eck!
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I think Brett Holman will be ok,once he gets used to the pace of the English game.
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Numan's a Brummie too. I bet you didn't know that.
I found this out the other day when I asked him what preference did his mates have for heating their homes.
I'd have hated to have asked that question
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Bret Hitman Holman. The best there was, the best there is and the best there ever will be.
Let's hope he has excellence of execution.
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Seems to start again today, in Europa League away fixture in Udine. Here http://livefootball.ws are quality streams for the matches
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Watching Holman For AZ Alkmaar v Udinese(ESPN Europa League) Did not look to bad first half. Playing up front because they had a man sent off after 3 minutes. Just got a penalty with a good burst of pace, but they missed it ......
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Watching Holman For AZ Alkmaar v Udinese(ESPN Europa League) Did not look to bad first half. Playing up front because they had a man sent off after 3 minutes. Just got a penalty with a good burst of pace, but they missed it ......
I also chose to watch this games rather than the RedMancs. I think initially he was lined up to play wide but Holman moved to play in the whole linking up well at times with Altidore, the AZ centre forward. It was a difficult game to judge because his team were a man short away from home against a decent Italian outfit for virtually the whole game but he looks like he has a football intelligence for that position.
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Ive been having a look at the Alkmaar website today. I was surprised to see that Holman speaks good dutch which is a hard language to learn. So hes obviously a disiplined individual. I was also surprised to see that Alkmaars coach bears a canny likeness to Rod Hull!
Now Emu was Australian unless Im mistaken. Could our new signing be his lovechild.
If so Michael Parkinson better watch out!!
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Ive been having a look at the Alkmaar website today. I was surprised to see that Holman speaks good dutch which is a hard language to learn. So hes obviously a disiplined individual. I was also surprised to see that Alkmaars coach bears a canny likeness to Rod Hull!
Now Emu was Australian unless Im mistaken. Could our new signing be his lovechild.
If so Michael Parkinson better watch out!!
And he might have problems dealing with any aerial threats.
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Let's hope he gets a decent reception!
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Let's hope he doesn't grope at a schoolboy's crotch!
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Let's hope he gets a decent reception!
[/quote]
;D
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Ive been having a look at the Alkmaar website today. I was surprised to see that Holman speaks good dutch which is a hard language to learn. So hes obviously a disiplined individual. I was also surprised to see that Alkmaars coach bears a canny likeness to Rod Hull!
Now Emu was Australian unless Im mistaken. Could our new signing be his lovechild.
If so Michael Parkinson better watch out!!
And he might have problems dealing with any aerial threats.
*applause*
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Ive been having a look at the Alkmaar website today. I was surprised to see that Holman speaks good dutch which is a hard language to learn. So hes obviously a disiplined individual. I was also surprised to see that Alkmaars coach bears a canny likeness to Rod Hull!
Now Emu was Australian unless Im mistaken. Could our new signing be his lovechild.
If so Michael Parkinson better watch out!!
And he might have problems dealing with any aerial threats.
Outstanding.
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I went to Rod Hull's wedding, the church service was lovely but the reception was terrible.
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Ive been having a look at the Alkmaar website today. I was surprised to see that Holman speaks good dutch which is a hard language to learn. So hes obviously a disiplined individual. I was also surprised to see that Alkmaars coach bears a canny likeness to Rod Hull!
Now Emu was Australian unless Im mistaken. Could our new signing be his lovechild.
If so Michael Parkinson better watch out!!
And he might have problems dealing with any aerial threats.
Bravo!
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Ive been having a look at the Alkmaar website today. I was surprised to see that Holman speaks good dutch which is a hard language to learn. So hes obviously a disiplined individual. I was also surprised to see that Alkmaars coach bears a canny likeness to Rod Hull!
Now Emu was Australian unless Im mistaken. Could our new signing be his lovechild.
If so Michael Parkinson better watch out!!
And he might have problems dealing with any aerial threats.
Wish Id have thought of that!...as Ron Manager would have said 'Marvellous'
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You lot are as cold as Whitney Houston's bathwater
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Rod Hull and Emu is an anagram of Holman Real Dud
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Scored tonight.
http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/brett-holman-az-alkmaar-v-valencia/
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Scored tonight.
http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/brett-holman-az-alkmaar-v-valencia/
That was fair dinkum!
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Set up the winner too
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Brett Holman was outstanding tonight.
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Great finish on the volley, too bad no one can steer a decent ball into the box.
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I watched Alkmaar against a very impressive Valencia on ESPN last night. Holman is industrious, has good technique and an eye for a pass, and his goal (a cushioned volley) was clinically taken. He's no winger though, despite what we've read. He's a link man playing in the space between midfield and the centre forward. He looks a very astute signing.
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Brett Holman was outstanding tonight.
excellent , until he plays for us and gets the McLeish syndrome
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Great finish on the volley, too bad no one can steer a decent ball into the box.
Didnt Bestie score one like that. My memory is starting to fade but I think it was against Northampton....or another team!!
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I think the goal you are thinking of was against Spurs at Mould Trafford, a few short weeks after we stuffed ManUre in the League Cup.
I actually thought Hollman's goal was better, as he is, of course, a better player than George(cough).
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Holman was sent off today. Two Yellows.
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Holman was sent off today. Two Yellows.
Doesn't bother me, he'll stroll into our starting eleven.
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Just wondering if anyone knows; firstly would the Holman deal get canned if we went down or alternatively if mcleish got the sack? I know the club won't release details of this nature but it is the norm for contracts of this manner to get cancelled?
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He's a flair player, another good reason to fuck McLeish off as he'll put the shackles on him.
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Welcome Brett.
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Welcome Brett.
I bet he's ecstatic.
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Are the YouTube "highlights" of Holman a fair reflection of how good/bad he is? Theres a lot of negative comments about him and the highlights tend to show that he's a bit of a flop in front of goal. What can we expect from him as a player and how does he compare to other players in the Premier League?
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Are the YouTube "highlights" of Holman a fair reflection of how good/bad he is? Theres a lot of negative comments about him and the highlights tend to show that he's a bit of a flop in front of goal. What can we expect from him as a player and how does he compare to other players in the Premier League?
He's no goal poacher. He's a similar design to Dirk Kuyt. Works his arse off and never let's up. Could be hugely beneficial to us.
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He works hard, his technique and positional discipline weaknesses will probably not be a massive factor in English footbal
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Holman will be very useful. Few years ago, we all used to slate him and Pim for constantly selecting him for the national side and even before in his A-League days many thought him to be overrated in that league. That balltearer of a goal against Serbia in the last world cup, I didn't think he was remotely capable of which changed my outlook and he was a great presence all game. He's done it consistently for years with AZ and won a recognised title. That can't be a bad thing at all even if its only a couple of bits of Dutch silverware.
He may look a bit Ormondroydesque with the pace early doors, but he seems earnest and has always been a manager favourite which perhaps alludes to the fact that he works his arse off to get the most of himself in training. This type of signing we've lacked - the solid supporting cast to chime in rather than become and anonymous deadweight in the 2's. That's what I predict for this guy and in a couple of years maybe even one of our better players. [Seeing as it's insert Aussie cliche season] "Farkin' oath mate!"
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Where would Holman play? Left side in a 442? Behind the striker in a 4411? Left sided attacker in a 433? Tip of the diamond? Or could he be deployed, Milner like, in a more central midfield 3?
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Seeing him play for AZ it looks like his preferred role is off the main striker.
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Where would Holman play? Left side in a 442? Behind the striker in a 4411? Left sided attacker in a 433? Tip of the diamond? Or could he be deployed, Milner like, in a more central midfield 3?
I would guess he could play any of those. He seems flexible and obviously his major strength people point to is work rate. I don't see him throwing his toys out the pram like Ireland, or being less effective if he has to play left or right, rather than a preferred role in the centre behind Bent.
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I think we'd see the best of him as one of the 3 in a 4-2-3-1 formation. As things stand, he'd be competing for places with Ireland, N'Zogbia, Albrighton, Gabby (who'd also be 2nd choice to Bent up top) and Bannan.
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I see he's listed on the OS as a striker ?????
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I see he's listed on the OS as a striker ?????
It's been like that for a week or so, I've been checking to see if it was updated and he moved to midfield but the squad list has been updated and El Ahmadi and Lowton have been added aswell as the staff updated and Holman is still as a striker on the list so maybe Lambert see's he more as a forward than midfield, which is a role he likes to play, playing as second striker.
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I see he's listed on the OS as a striker ?????
It's been like that for a week or so, I've been checking to see if it was updated and he moved to midfield but the squad list has been updated and El Ahmadi and Lowton have been added aswell as the staff updated and Holman is still as a striker on the list so maybe Lambert see's he more as a forward than midfield, which is a role he likes to play, playing as second striker.
I am quite sure Lambert doesn't update the site himself.
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I see he's listed on the OS as a striker ?????
It's been like that for a week or so, I've been checking to see if it was updated and he moved to midfield but the squad list has been updated and El Ahmadi and Lowton have been added aswell as the staff updated and Holman is still as a striker on the list so maybe Lambert see's he more as a forward than midfield, which is a role he likes to play, playing as second striker.
I am quite sure Lambert doesn't update the site himself.
I never said he did did I, there's nothing in my comment that said Lambert updated it himself just that Lambert might see Holman as a forward.
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I don't think the comment was meant to be serious.
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well it wasn't funny either so you will have to excuse my confusion
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well it wasn't funny either so you will have to excuse my confusion
don't worry, you will get used to that sort of thing.
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Eventually...
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or stop caring
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I think we'd see the best of him as one of the 3 in a 4-2-3-1 formation. As things stand, he'd be competing for places with Ireland, N'Zogbia, Albrighton, Gabby (who'd also be 2nd choice to Bent up top) and Bannan.
Agree with that John. Could see El Ahmadi and Makoun or possibly a new signing as the two holding midfielders, with N'Zogbia, Ireland and Holman as the three in front of them.
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I think we'd see the best of him as one of the 3 in a 4-2-3-1 formation. As things stand, he'd be competing for places with Ireland, N'Zogbia, Albrighton, Gabby (who'd also be 2nd choice to Bent up top) and Bannan.
Agree with that John. Could see El Ahmadi and Makoun or possibly a new signing as the two holding midfielders, with N'Zogbia, Ireland and Holman as the three in front of them.
Id go along with that
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Pretty decent final ball from Holman for Australia'a final goal in friendly against Lebanon overnight. From 1:25 here: http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/video/2276624482/Lebanon-v-Australia
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I think this guy will grow into one of the most influential players for us this season; just think it's taking a while for him to find the pace of the game.
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Yeah I like him. He'll get the pace of the game quick enough. When he's got time on the ball he uses it well. Whenever he's rushed into a pass, or dwells a little too long he's tended to lose it. But that side will get better. It took Petrov a while to adapt to that side of things and then eventually Stan barely wasted a pass.
Holman's workrate is fantastic though and it rubs off on the other players. He may well be able to replace what we've lack since Milner. A non-stop runner, not technically brilliant but still a decent footballer who can pick a pass. He's tended to get a lot of assists for his last club, so it'll be good for us. I just see his attitude and workrate, and probably soon consistency will have him more of a regular than perhaps more spectacular players like Ireland, and certainly he'll play more than CNZ.
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He's gonna be our unsung hero who we all grow to love like Dessie Bremner.
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There will be a lot of hard work from Brett. I hope the end product matches.
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There will be a lot of hard work from Brett. I hope the end product matches.
Can't be any worse than Charles Insomnia.
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There will be a lot of hard work from Brett. I hope the end product matches.
Can't be any worse than Charles Insomnia.
He needs a fucking rocket up his arse.
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The guy puts a shift in, and fans will always appreciate seeing a player leave the pitch completely exhausted in the line of duty.
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He could very well be the reason why we smash Swansea next week.
Heis pressing and harrying is going to be vital.
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I like the look of him his work rate is really good.
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Just hope he returns from Australia's games without injury. The travelling will be knackering though, same Brad back from the States.
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I don't think he'll feature much when Lambert's signings are up to speed. The quality of his final ball has mostly been horrendous.
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No it hasn't. I don't see what people have been watching.
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Holman has the vision to play the sort of through ball he did for Weimann where he hit the post against Everton. Apparently he made a goal for Australia in the international yesterday too. He might struggle for a place because of his technique after a few transfer windows but for the time being he and Ireland are obvious picks when the alternative is N'Zogbia.
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I don't think he'll feature much when Lambert's signings are up to speed. The quality of his final ball has mostly been horrendous.
He could also improve as a player under Lambert. He also may just need to bring his game up to PL level and adjust to the demands of a higher standard. It is way too early to make that kind of assessment in my opinion.
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I don't think he'll feature much when Lambert's signings are up to speed. The quality of his final ball has mostly been horrendous.
He could also improve as a player under Lambert. He also may just need to bring his game up to PL level and adjust to the demands of a higher standard. It is way too early to make that kind of assessment in my opinion.
I agree. It seems strange to think he'll miss out when the new signings are up to speed, considering he's a new signing not yet up to speed.
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From what I have seen and read, I can see him becoming a bit of a Dirk Kyut type player. He’ll be hated by some but his energy and team ethic will be missed when he’s not playing.
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From what I have seen and read, I can see him becoming a bit of a Dirk Kyut type player. He’ll be hated by some but his energy and team ethic will be missed when he’s not playing.
I seem to recall an interview with KEA where he was asked about Holman. He said that Holman was everywhere, very high energy. Always going, which as a quality will be really valuable for us. Kuyt might not be a bad comparison. A player that does a lot of dirty work.
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Early impressions are that he is a very industrious player, but is prone to giving the ball away. To be honest after watching a number of players go through the motions over the past couple of seasons, I'm all for giving time to a player who is willing to work hard.
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I don't think he'll feature much when Lambert's signings are up to speed. The quality of his final ball has mostly been horrendous.
He could also improve as a player under Lambert. He also may just need to bring his game up to PL level and adjust to the demands of a higher standard. It is way too early to make that kind of assessment in my opinion.
I agree. It seems strange to think he'll miss out when the new signings are up to speed, considering he's a new signing not yet up to speed.
Not at all strange when you consider that he wasn't signed by Lambert.
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True, but he's playing him, which suggests that at the very least he's in long-term contention.
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True, but he's playing him, which suggests that at the very least he's in long-term contention.
I don't think it suggests anything other than he's one of the two fit wide players we have, and he's been marginally less bad than the appalling N'Zogbia. I think in a month or two Lambert will dispense with wide players altogether and play a permutation of Ireland, Bannan, KEA, Westwood, Herd and Delph.
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I don't think Holman is just a wide player. He can play up front and inside. I don't disagree with you though about his general philosophy on wingers per se. N'Zogbia and Albrighton need to find another string to their bows.
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I don't see the logic in that. If he were going to play with no wide players and play combinations of those players ahead of Holman, wouldn't he have done so already? Of that group only Westwood is new. Besides which, I don't think Holman has been played wide. He drifts wide, sure, but is very much an inside-midfield player for us so far.
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I'm a bit confused. While I accept that the traditional, touchline hugging wide player is not something we're likely to see we are still going to have to line up with players covering the left and right of midfied. So the idea that no wide men rules out alayer who has impressed with his attitude and work rate so far is one I can't see. He might not be a starter every week but I have a feeling the new manager will be a horses for courses type so he won't be unique in that.
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It will be interesting to see whether Carruthers can add himself to that list of players this season too. Although he has played wide, he can also play central and in his brief appearances last season was one of few positives. His Arsenal background could be useful too.
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I'd say give the guy a chance before writing him off after three games. The workrate and application is there and that's critical, the final ball has been off but that could easily come once he's used to our game.
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Holman appears to spend the whole of his time on the pitch moaning. I like players who moan a lot. Peter Withe was one such.
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He looked off the pace at West Ham. He was our MOM against Newcastle IMO, simply due to working like a rabid dog searching fr a cure. He chased and chased and got his foot in. He even showed Bens Father onto the foot he had NEVER scored in the premier league with, which was the right thing for the goal, but the shot was a 1 in a 100 effort on the blokes swinger. If he works that hard, every week, he will play 90% of the time. I am sure of that.
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Holman appears to spend the whole of his time on the pitch moaning. I like players who moan a lot. Peter Withe was one such.
I often cycled to Bodymoor heath and Peter Withe was the same in training, moaning and arguing, saw him have a big bust up with Garry Williams once. Thing is he was a winner and from the little I have seen of Holman, he looks a great team player a la Des Bremner. Not all players are the skillful ones, it takes more than that to make a good team.
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Interesting player.
He has a lot of energy so can see him starting a lot of games against the top 6 where we'll need plenty of graft.
Never did Park Ji Sung any harm at Man. United.
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Interesting player.
He has a lot of energy so can see him starting a lot of games against the top 6 where we'll need plenty of graft.
Never did Park Ji Sung any harm at Man. United.
Exactly the player I thought of Soccer.
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I don't even know exactly where his best position is yet. I can see him playing Deep behind the striker, out wide, hell - I'd even go the MON way and play him at Right back if we ever get particularly light.
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He could play almost anywhere. With his work ethic I could see him as a holding midfielder as he ages.
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He could play almost anywhere. With his work ethic I could see him as a holding midfielder as he ages.
Almost like Petrov perhaps? Maybe with less technical ability?
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Interesting player.
He has a lot of energy so can see him starting a lot of games against the top 6 where we'll need plenty of graft.
Never did Park Ji Sung any harm at Man. United.
Exactly the player I thought of Soccer.
He also reminds me of Dirk Kuyt.
Holman's got three lungs, I love his approach to the game and hope he keeps up the good work.
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I'm a firm believer in hard work gaining its reward. I think he'll prove to be a good signing.
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I've said before, Holman is well thought of down in this part of the world. I was glad when we signed him.
He will never give up and will run and run all day, even if he isn't the most technically gifted player, he will adapt to the Premier League given time. He will be an asset and with his commitment and moaning he will certainly motivate his team mates. Given what we've seen in the past couple of years him and KEA are exactly the type of players we needed to get the others motivated.
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The ji sung park comparison seems a good one. He was very good v newcast
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I'm a firm believer in hard work gaining its reward. I think he'll prove to be a good signing.
Emile Heskey always put a shift in.
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I'm a firm believer in hard work gaining its reward. I think he'll prove to be a good signing.
Emile Heskey always put a shift in.
But he couldn't last more than 60 minutes and couldn't play twice in a week. He was made of glass. Plus as a striker you cannot get away with not scoring goals.
But yes I always liked Emile, despite the fact he was well past it and a bit shit.
Holman will score more goals than Heskey, from midfield. I'm actually almost certain of that.
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I'm a firm believer in hard work gaining its reward. I think he'll prove to be a good signing.
Emile Heskey always put a shift in.
Apples and Oranges.
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I'm a firm believer in hard work gaining its reward. I think he'll prove to be a good signing.
Emile Heskey always put a shift in.
Apples and Oranges.
I'm not comparing them as players, just pointing out that working hard isn't enough.
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Risso's suffering from the longest period ever about The Villa at the moment - best thing to do is just leave 'em to it. I suppose we'll just have to wait and see who has the better Villa career.
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I'm a firm believer in hard work gaining its reward. I think he'll prove to be a good signing.
Emile Heskey always put a shift in.
Apples and Oranges.
I'm not comparing them as players, just pointing out that working hard isn't enough.
Yeah but one is a hard working striker, who never scores. The other is a hard working midfielder who's job it is to harrass and win back possession. He can work on his ability with the ball at his feet, but dismissing him after 3 games is a bit harsh.
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Risso's suffering from the longest period ever about The Villa at the moment - best thing to do is just leave 'em to it. I suppose we'll just have to wait and see who has the better Villa career.
Bollocks Percy, go and read the match threads for the lot of matches, he was pretty well universally rated as playing poorly in all of them.
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As I said earlier, dismissing Holman after three games is madness. It took Modric a season to get used to the Premier League, now I'm not saying that that Holman is in that class but it shows that it can take time.
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Just seems to me you're in 'everything's shit' mode at the minute Riss and it's pervading your views on most things.
It's fair enough like, you're entitled to your opinion and to express it and all that. I'm not going to fall out with you or think any the less of you about it, you just seem stuck in a mood, you big girl.
Oh and bollocks to you an' all.
*wink*
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And I don't think he was universally slagged off, there were quite a few saying he was cack but also many were giving him MOTM (against Newcastle). Nearly everyone I've spoken to outside of here seems to rate him. I'm not sure why that is but it is a bit strange.
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Risso's suffering from the longest period ever about The Villa at the moment - best thing to do is just leave 'em to it. I suppose we'll just have to wait and see who has the better Villa career.
Bollocks Percy, go and read the match threads for the lot of matches, he was pretty well universally rated as playing poorly in all of them.
i use the match threads and enjoy them especially last season (didnt enjot them for obvious reasons)
and i know i'm opening up old wounds here, but in true post match thread tradition i would only rate the posters views on players having a good or bad game on there as 3/10
a player only has to give the ball away once or make a bad cross and a poster will say so and so's having a nightmare, then everyone gets it in there head and suddenly the said player is having a shit time of it.
i didnt go to Newcastle and on the match thread Hollman was crap, yet in some of the papers he was MOTM, highlighted out on MOTD as one of the better performers on the day
i went to the West Ham game and when i got back and read the match thread i was honestly taken back and shocked at reading about the game i had just seen, which was in my view nothing like the same, but i suppose thats 'just in my view' which is always subjective.
but anyways, i will continue to use the match thread where neccasary, but will not take the views very seriously anymore as i really believe they are often way way of the mark, and are often dependent on the score line, and i would also include my own views also in the same context.
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I'm a firm believer in hard work gaining its reward. I think he'll prove to be a good signing.
Emile Heskey always put a shift in.
Apples and Oranges.
I'm not comparing them as players, just pointing out that working hard isn't enough.
Countless International and club managers disagree with you, though.
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Off the ball he's been a bit of a revelation in my opinion (Newcastle goal aside), it's on the ball he needs to improve, and I'm confident he will.
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Just seems to me you're in 'everything's shit' mode at the minute Riss and it's pervading your views on most things.
It's fair enough like, you're entitled to your opinion and to express it and all that. I'm not going to fall out with you or think any the less of you about it, you just seem stuck in a mood, you big girl.
Oh and bollocks to you an' all.
*wink*
You missed the thread I started about Guzan then? And my comments in the Newcastle match and post-match threads?
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I'm a firm believer in hard work gaining its reward. I think he'll prove to be a good signing.
Emile Heskey always put a shift in.
Apples and Oranges.
I'm not comparing them as players, just pointing out that working hard isn't enough.
Countless International and club managers disagree with you, though.
Not many managers this summer though.
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Okay
I'm a firm believer in hard work gaining its reward. I think he'll prove to be a good signing.
Emile Heskey always put a shift in.
Apples and Oranges.
I'm not comparing them as players, just pointing out that working hard isn't enough.
Countless International and club managers disagree with you, though.
Not many managers this summer though.
No, you're right. After 60+ England caps and 500 or so top flight games over almost 20 seasons he's now officially shit because he's not with anyone. The world has finally seen through him.
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Oh please. Emile Heskey? Bloody dismal player.
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Not saying he's Messi but you can't use a justification for your opinion that he's shite being that he's clubless after 18 years and 62 caps playing at the highest level. You can fool some of the people some of the time, and Emile Heskey can fool every manager he's played under all of the time, apparently.
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Not saying he's Messi but you can't use a justification for your opinion that he's shite being that he's clubless after 18 years and 62 caps playing at the highest level. You can fool some of the people some of the time, and Emile Heskey can fool every manager he's played under all of the time, apparently.
By that justification there are no bad players anywhere, including Alan Hutton.
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Risso's suffering from the longest period ever about The Villa at the moment - best thing to do is just leave 'em to it. I suppose we'll just have to wait and see who has the better Villa career.
Bollocks Percy, go and read the match threads for the lot of matches, he was pretty well universally rated as playing poorly in all of them.
I have to admit that all I'd heard about was how poor he was until Match of the Day.
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Not saying he's Messi but you can't use a justification for your opinion that he's shite being that he's clubless after 18 years and 62 caps playing at the highest level. You can fool some of the people some of the time, and Emile Heskey can fool every manager he's played under all of the time, apparently.
By that justification there are no bad players anywhere, including Alan Hutton.
No but my benchmark for a 'poor' player is set higher than someone rated by manager after manager and by his peers.
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Not saying he's Messi but you can't use a justification for your opinion that he's shite being that he's clubless after 18 years and 62 caps playing at the highest level. You can fool some of the people some of the time, and Emile Heskey can fool every manager he's played under all of the time, apparently.
By that justification there are no bad players anywhere, including Alan Hutton.
No but my benchmark for a 'poor' player is set higher than someone rated by manager after manager and by his peers.
My benchmark is set by what they do for Aston Villa and not what Michael Owen might have thought 12 years ago. Emile Heskey, by any standard you care to set, was an abysmal signing for Villa.
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Marlon Harewood was worse.
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Marlon Harewood was worse.
He was.
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Marlon Harewood was worse.
He was.
he was
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Well the good thing about Harewood was he hardly played. When you're talking about players like him and Heskey that's a positive.
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Well the good thing about Harewood was he hardly played. When you're talking about players like him and Heskey that's a positive.
I wouldn't say Heskey hardly played, I thought he played a lot considering how shite he was.
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No, I agree, Emile played too often for me. I meant to highlight the positive Harewood had over Heskey. Didn't phrase it well.
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Ah right, I see. Either way they were both cack.
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Back to Holman... I think his work ethic will have a good/great impact on the other players.
Just seeing Holman busting his balls will hopefully set an example to the whole team. We’ve lacked an identity for a while and Lambert is known to like hardworking teams. Holman could be the conduit for getting the whole squad chasing and hassling like barca and spain. Ironic as he wasn’t a Lambert signing.
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Marlon Harewood was worse.
Aside from the overhead kick at Anfield he was indeed wank.
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Marlon Harewood was worse.
Aside from the overhead kick at Anfield he was indeed wank.
I couldn't go that night and thought we'd get stuffed and lo and behold we were 1 down at half time. I switched on 5Live to hear Green and Lawrenson confidently stating how Liverpool were going to cruise it and Villa had nothing on the bench and I quote:
Lawro: Villa have got nothing to change the course of this game, I mean Marlon Harewood, its not going to get you anything is it....
Cue Lawro and Green chortling under their breath as they handed back to the studio.
Then cue Marvellous Marlon with his overhead. Ha Ha Ha.
Back on topic, impressed with the work rate of Holman needs to make better use of the ball.
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Marlon Harewood was worse.
Aside from the overhead kick at Anfield he was indeed wank.
I couldn't go that night and thought we'd get stuffed and lo and behold we were 1 down at half time. I switched on 5Live to hear Green and Lawrenson confidently stating how Liverpool were going to cruise it and Villa had nothing on the bench and I quote:
Lawro: Villa have got nothing to change the course of this game, I mean Marlon Harewood, its not going to get you anything is it....
Cue Lawro and Green chortling under their breath as they handed back to the studio.
Then cue Marvellous Marlon with his overhead. Ha Ha Ha.
I'd love to find the guy that decided to make Alan Green and Mark Lawrenson a commentary team. It's almost as if they thought "what's the worst combination of wankers involved in football that we can have call a match?".
It's one Robbie Savage away from being the worst thing in the world.
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Harewood was good as an impact player in his first season. We could bring him on for the last few minutes of a game and suddenly it would lift the tempo. Beating Newcastle 4-1 at home comes to mind. When we were ready to go up a level, we sold him.
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He scored a sexy breakaway goal at Reading. Harnessed correctly he could have been half-decent for us. O'Neill's fault really.
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For the record, I think Harewood was comfortably better than Heskey at Villa.
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For the record, I think Harewood was comfortably better than Heskey at Villa.
In terms of what they cost the club, I think they were both shocking. Heskey was the worst though, as his arrival effectively ushered in the end of the good times (without it being all his fault of course).
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You're right OCD, he was good from the bench in his first season. But we never sold him.
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For the record, I think Harewood was comfortably better than Heskey at Villa.
In terms of what they cost the club, I think they were both shocking. Heskey was the worst though, as his arrival effectively ushered in the end of the good times (without it being all his fault of course).
I agree. Neither of them were anything like good enough to move us to the next level. Or even for where we were at that point.
The most galling thing, though, and this is not the fault of the players, is that a decent, reliable striker was, if not the final piece in the jigsaw, crucial to moving us on.
It says it all about O'Neill's lazy, myopic transfer policy that he ever thought Heskey or Harewood would be the answer.
It is also noticeable how frequently we hear people say things like "Harewood repaid his fee with that goal against Liverpool" or imply that Harewood cost peanuts. He didn't. He cost us £4m, and probably, knowing O'Neill, something like £2m in wages for each of the three years he was here, contributing next to nothing.
I'd say Harewood is a poster boy for the sort of half-arsed, reckless, short term thinking O'Neill fell back on too often.
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Totally agree. Same as when we were toe-to-toe with Arsenal for 4th. We needed options in attack as a back up for Gabby and Carew, so signed the ageing Heskey on a three year deal who had scored 7 goals for Wigan in a year and a half.
Anyway, back to Holman. I just think that Lambert is clearly a manager who places a gret deal of importance on ball retention, and as with most managers may prefer to play players he has bought himself rather than those he has inherited.
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You know a striker is crap when they can't hit the target during the warm up. I've never seen anyone put more balls into the Holte before a match than Marlon.
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I'd love to dig up the comments on the imminent signing of Heskey.
Most on here were saying how great he was and objections to his signing had you labelled as a 'MON hater'
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i remember Marlon being hailed by some as a MON masterstroke, and the new Peter Withe
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I remember somebody on here responding to my criticism of Heskey with
'Successive England Managers rate him and I think they know a bit more about football than you.'
As john e remarked above, some on here hailed the Harewood signing as an under the radar masterstroke.
This despite the piss taking when it was rumoured the Dog Shit were looking at signing him.
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I remember somebody on here responding to my criticism of Heskey with
'Successive England Managers rate him and I think they know a bit more about football than you.'
As john e remarked above, some on here hailed the Harewood signing as an under the radar masterstroke.
This despite the piss taking when it was rumoured the Dog Shit were looking at signing him.
That's not how I remember it (particularly the Harewood signing). I remember people trying to find some positives in a situation they had no control over, rather than going straight to "everything's shit" mode. Similar to the transfer window just gone, actually.
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I remember somebody on here responding to my criticism of Heskey with
'Successive England Managers rate him and I think they know a bit more about football than you.'
Peter W said that a couple of pages back!
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I'd love to dig up the comments on the imminent signing of Heskey.
Most on here were saying how great he was and objections to his signing had you labelled as a 'MON hater'
I can remember having the same feeling of dread when we signed that big useless lump as the day we signed Ian Ormondroyd. As it turns out Ormondroyd was far better for Villa than that bloody clown Heskey ever was.
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i remember Marlon being hailed by some as a MON masterstroke, and the new Peter Withe
I don't remember it quite like that.
What I do remember, though, is that pointless Peter Withe argument getting trotted out, "Well, I remember us once signing a journeyman, underwhelming striker, and he turned out to be Peter Withe!" which is totally irrelevant in any sense beyond crossing your fingers and praying it works out.
It's like signing a player who spends every waking hour pissed and saying "well, i remember once, we signed a player with a drink problem, and he turned out to be GOD".
What happened was we signed two players lots of us had seen play lots of time, and who we thought were shit. We got told to judge them on what they did in a Villa shirt. That turned out to be exactly what we thought it'd be - fuck all.
I'm sure they're both lovely blokes and never moaned - in the case of one of them - at being paid 65k a week to sit on the bench at age 35, in the twilight years of his career - but that's really not very relevant.
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What I do remember, though, is that pointless Peter Withe argument getting trotted out, "Well, I remember us once signing a journeyman, underwhelming striker, and he turned out to be Peter Withe!" which is totally irrelevant in any sense beyond crossing your fingers and praying it works out.
It's like signing a player who spends every waking hour pissed and saying "well, i remember once, we signed a player with a drink problem, and he turned out to be GOD".
That argument gets aired regularly on here. Most recently in support of the Bowery and Westwood signings. They may turn out to be good signings, and I hope they do. If they do succeed it won't be because David Platt played for Crewe though.
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What I do remember, though, is that pointless Peter Withe argument getting trotted out, "Well, I remember us once signing a journeyman, underwhelming striker, and he turned out to be Peter Withe!" which is totally irrelevant in any sense beyond crossing your fingers and praying it works out.
It's like signing a player who spends every waking hour pissed and saying "well, i remember once, we signed a player with a drink problem, and he turned out to be GOD".
That argument gets aired regularly on here. Most recently in support of the Bowery and Westwood signings. They may turn out to be good signings, and I hope they do. If they do succeed it won't be because David Platt played for Crewe though.
Precisely.
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I think it is used more as an argument against those who seem to think it's impossible for unheralded players to exceed expectations.
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I think it is used more as an argument against those who seem to think it's impossible for unheralded players to exceed expectations.
At the same time, it is no indication that such players can be relied upon to do so. You're in trouble if you rely on that too much (not saying we are now, more the case of when we signed Harewood and Heskey we needed to be buying proven scorers of goals at that level - not crossing our fingers and hoping for the best).
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I think it is used more as an argument against those who seem to think it's impossible for unheralded players to exceed expectations.
Is it not doing the opposite though? I mean, I'm excited to see Westwood play, but is it not burdening him unfairly if people are expecting him to be the new Spoonface?
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I remember somebody on here responding to my criticism of Heskey with
'Successive England Managers rate him and I think they know a bit more about football than you.'
As john e remarked above, some on here hailed the Harewood signing as an under the radar masterstroke.
This despite the piss taking when it was rumoured the Dog Shit were looking at signing him.
That's not how I remember it (particularly the Harewood signing). I remember people trying to find some positives in a situation they had no control over, rather than going straight to "everything's shit" mode. Similar to the transfer window just gone, actually.
i remember it very well because it blew me away, just couldnt believe we had signed Harewood, and it was my start of losing a lot of faith in MON, i cant think of any other transfers that have affected me quite so badly
i had a bit of a run in with someone on here, cant remember who and it doesnt really mater anyway, but he was coming out with the stuff i posted, so thats why i said it,
i'm not saying i can spot a player and no one else can because i've also been proved wrong a few times about players i thought were good only for them to turn out crap.
but really Marlon Fucking Harewood, that will take some beating, anyone could see that was only going to be a one way road to shit street
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Anyway, back to Holman. I just think that Lambert is clearly a manager who places a gret deal of importance on ball retention, and as with most managers may prefer to play players he has bought himself rather than those he has inherited.
You're probably right but while ball retention is one thing, forcing the opposition into mistakes when you don't have the ball is easier when you have someone harrying them like Holman did against Newcastle. I'm sure someone's already said it but you can't train an attitude like that.
A fact that won't be lost on PL given his emphasis on fitting into what he wants the team to do rather than than relying on occasional moments of individual brilliance (or individual mediocrity as we've been used to recently).
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Hardwood was up there with John fashanu and Steve stone as signings that made you just throw your hands up in the air and think "what the fuck"?!
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but really Marlon Fucking Harewood, that will take some beating, anyone could see that was only going to be a one way road to shit street
Indeed - I seem recall attracting some criticism on here when I started calling him Deadwood - 'cos that's exactly what I thought of the signing!
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but really Marlon Fucking Harewood, that will take some beating, anyone could see that was only going to be a one way road to shit street
Indeed - I seem recall attracting some criticism on here when I started calling him Deadwood - 'cos that's exactly what I thought of the signing!
Many, many people trotted out the
'But he did once score 16 goals in a season for West Ham' line.
If you think a player we sign isn't up to snuff, be honest and say so. Don't say he's good for the sake of it.
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but really Marlon Fucking Harewood, that will take some beating, anyone could see that was only going to be a one way road to shit street
Indeed - I seem recall attracting some criticism on here when I started calling him Deadwood - 'cos that's exactly what I thought of the signing!
Many, many people trotted out the
'But he did once score 16 goals in a season for West Ham' line.
If you think a player we sign isn't up to snuff, be honest and say so. Don't say he's good for the sake of it.
People think they can either support a player OR say he isn't good enough. When really you can do both. Heskey wasn't good enough, nor was Harewood - and I can openly say that. At the same time, however, I supported them both 100% when they were in a Villa shirt.
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but really Marlon Fucking Harewood, that will take some beating, anyone could see that was only going to be a one way road to shit street
Indeed - I seem recall attracting some criticism on here when I started calling him Deadwood - 'cos that's exactly what I thought of the signing!
Many, many people trotted out the
'But he did once score 16 goals in a season for West Ham' line.
If you think a player we sign isn't up to snuff, be honest and say so. Don't say he's good for the sake of it.
People think they can either support a player OR say he isn't good enough. When really you can do both. Heskey wasn't good enough, nor was Harewood - and I can openly say that. At the same time, however, I supported them both 100% when they were in a Villa shirt.
exactly,
i remember when Heskey scored that fantastic goal at Wolves, i was rejoicing as long and hard as the next man, but it didnt suddenly mean he'd had a great Villa career, or he was one of our super buys
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Hardwood was up there with John fashanu and Steve stone as signings that made you just throw your hands up in the air and think "what the fuck"?!
Fashanu is the one player of all those I can remember us signing that made me do that throwing-the-hands-up thing more than any other.
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Awooga! Definitely. I think I had my head IN my hands, though.
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I can think of one good thing to say about Fashanu, though. He's very funny on Twitter.
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I thought Heskey and Harewood were cack, but I still shouted my support for them every game.
Probably wasted my vocal chords on them though, they were both about as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike.
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Fashanu is the one player of all those I can remember us signing that made me do that throwing-the-hands-up thing more than any other.
I remember reading about it on Teletext and just thinking 'Hmmm, Central TV, Gladiators....'
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I remember somebody on here responding to my criticism of Heskey with
'Successive England Managers rate him and I think they know a bit more about football than you.'
Peter W said that a couple of pages back!
No I didn't.
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Can we leave Heskey and Harewood alone now? They were fecking useless bastards paid too much and stayed too long, the last thing I want to read about is them!
I cannot believe Holman is being written off after 3 games, in which the 3rd there was a good argument to make him man of the match as he epitomised everything good about the performance.
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Considering all the work he put in against Newcastle there was a stat I read somewhere the other day about interceptions etc, apparently Clarke topped the list with 10 interceptions (and 7 clearances) and even wee Barry Bannan scragged 4 interceptions.
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Are people seriously writing him off? N'Zogbia is the one who needs writing off.
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Are people seriously writing him off?
No.
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No doubt some of the doom and gloom merchants will write him off. I like him though.
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Can we leave Heskey and Harewood alone now? They were fecking useless bastards paid too much and stayed too long, the last thing I want to read about is them!
I cannot believe Holman is being written off after 3 games, in which the 3rd there was a good argument to make him man of the match as he epitomised everything good about the performance.
Man of the Match? He was easily our worst performer in that game.
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Can we leave Heskey and Harewood alone now? They were fecking useless bastards paid too much and stayed too long, the last thing I want to read about is them!
I cannot believe Holman is being written off after 3 games, in which the 3rd there was a good argument to make him man of the match as he epitomised everything good about the performance.
Man of the Match? He was easily our worst performer in that game.
Nonsense.
Holman was very good, his on-the-ball was maybe lacking due not yet being accustomed on PL but his harrashing, bullying and running to limit space and time for Newcastle players was top-notch. Without Holman in the pitch Newcastle would've had quite a bit more time and space to keep and pass the ball.
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I cannot believe Holman is being written off after 3 games, in which the 3rd there was a good argument to make him man of the match as he epitomised everything good about the performance.
he reminded me of my mate's dog chasing a ball around a park, plenty of energy, but never had the ball under control.
if anything, he epitomises how far we've fallen in such a short period.
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I cannot believe Holman is being written off after 3 games, in which the 3rd there was a good argument to make him man of the match as he epitomised everything good about the performance.
he reminded me of my mate's dog chasing a ball around a park, plenty of energy, but never had the ball under control.
if anything, he epitomises how far we've fallen in such a short period.
Oh stop whining.
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i enjoy it!
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The game passed him by down at West Ham but he was great against Newcastle.
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Get the feeling that he'll need half a season to settle in but once he does he'll be a big plus for us.
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Hardwood was up there with John fashanu and Steve stone as signings that made you just throw your hands up in the air and think "what the fuck"?!
Fashanu is the one player of all those I can remember us signing that made me do that throwing-the-hands-up thing more than any other.
I was really undecided about whether to renew my season ticket, the day I was going to Villa Park with my mate to renew it was announced we had signed him. I didn't bother.
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Can we leave Heskey and Harewood alone now? They were fecking useless bastards paid too much and stayed too long, the last thing I want to read about is them!
I cannot believe Holman is being written off after 3 games, in which the 3rd there was a good argument to make him man of the match as he epitomised everything good about the performance.
Man of the Match? He was easily our worst performer in that game.
My god risso, how can you say he was our worst performer - ridiculous comment!
Holmans display at Newcastle was very impressive and he worked his balls off for the shirt- shame on you ris!
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Is there any point in passing judgement now? Yorke and Platt were mediocre for quite a while. I think every new signing should have at least a year's grace before anybody's allowed to pass comment.
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You mean actually give players a chance? How ridiculous. I prefer to write them off straight away myself.
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I think he will turn out to be Dirk Kuyt type. He will divide opinion but every team needs a selfless player like him.
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Is there any point in passing judgement now? Yorke and Platt were mediocre for quite a while. I think every new signing should have at least a year's grace before anybody's allowed to pass comment.
I agree with your point, although Platt was good from the beginning as I remember. Scored on his debut against Blackburn and crowned off his first half season with that great header in the crucial game against Bradford. Played up front as I recall.
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Can we leave Heskey and Harewood alone now? They were fecking useless bastards paid too much and stayed too long, the last thing I want to read about is them!
I cannot believe Holman is being written off after 3 games, in which the 3rd there was a good argument to make him man of the match as he epitomised everything good about the performance.
Man of the Match? He was easily our worst performer in that game.
My god risso, how can you say he was our worst performer - ridiculous comment!
Holmans display at Newcastle was very impressive and he worked his balls off for the shirt- shame on you ris!
I thought all of our other outfield players were better than him. Several times we played some nice stuff, only for Holman to give the ball away. The whole team worked their socks off against Newcastle, but in my opinion Holman's quality was lower than that of everybody else. El Ahmadi for example, looks a far, far better player in my opinion, and really looks like a class act.
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I would agree el ahmedi is a better player but Holman plays a different role and I think will be a real asset to us.
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Out of interest, who did you think our worst performer was against Newcastle Eastie?
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Out of interest, who did you think our worst performer was against Newcastle Eastie?
Wouldn't say anyone had a poor game but Lichaj if I had to pick one but in fairness the whole team did ok . I feel Bennett as a natural left back will give better balance to the side and is more suited to the attacking left back berth.
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I would not say we had a "worst performer" in fairness, but to me Holman stood out. He lead the way in chasing down, and I would bet covered more ground than most.
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Agreed, also nice to go into the 2 week break on the back of such a positive display, the longer the team train and play together the better they will gel and I'm hopeful the next 3 games will see us pick up a few points.
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Careful Eastie, any forms of optimism are currently being stamped out.
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Careful Eastie, any forms of optimism are currently being stamped out.
Aware of that Ozzie, i well remember the good vibes we had last season going into the Swansea home game and how that turned out.
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Who would have imagined that a McLeish signing would have worked out brilliantly for Paul Lambert's style of football ?
While not the best first touch and yes he does give the ball away he nevertheless more than makes up for these solveable flaws with his incredible work rate and the persistent harrrying of the oppositions midfield when they have possession.
I doubt whether any of his teammates cover the distance that he runs in a single game. What he may lack in finesse he more than makes up for by his example of non stop effort.
I am struggling to think how McLeish with his dour brand of football would have used Holman, I am just delighted he isn't here to explain and that Paul Lambert has an obvious role for the lad in the first team. A for effort. Touch B+, a work in progress.
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You can bet that if McLeish was still in charge, Holman wouldn't look anywhere as good and wouldn't have been getting the praise that he has been.
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You can bet that if McLeish was still in charge, Holman wouldn't look anywhere as good and wouldn't have been getting the praise that he has been.
A very safe bet OCD.
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It's an excellent sign that lambert is able to take a new, untried signing made by his predecessor, assess his strengths and then make him central to his own team.
We are going to need flexibility if we are going to succeed this season
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It's an excellent sign that lambert is able to take a new, untried signing made by his predecessor, assess his strengths and then make him central to his own team.
We are going to need flexibility if we are going to succeed this season
Indeed.
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Was he your worst performer again Risso?
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Holman reminds me of an older Milner.
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Ye i mentioned a while ago he was our new "Milner" think he is going to get better as we progress as a team ..........
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I was incredibly impressed with his performance yesterday.
He ran his socks off, made countless interceptions and when he lost possession he busted his ass to win it back.
Hopefully Stephen Ireland can learn something from him.
Totally deserved his MOM award.
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You can bet that if McLeish was still in charge, Holman wouldn't look anywhere as good and wouldn't have been getting the praise that he has been.
A very safe bet OCD.
we will never know ,thankfully, I heard him on Radio 5 and was glad he was not our manager but wih him well . I dont have the contempt
for him like certain other managers who were gits
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Was he your worst performer again Risso?
I only saw the second half, and thought he played quite well. I maintain he was wasn't very good against Newcastle though. I thought El Ahmadi and Bannan were better than him yesterday, but as I say, I only saw the second half.
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KEA was pretty quiet yesterday, tidy enough bit nothing spectacular.
Bannan did O.K.
Holman and Vlaar were both immense.
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Some years ago when Sir Ronald of The Saunders breezed into Villa Park he bought Frank Carrodus from Man City. Carrodus worked so hard
each game Ron described him as having FIVE LUNGS.
Holman must be Franks love child. They both had the ability to cover to cover every blade of Villa Park... and then repeat it!
Frank like Des Bremner was never fully appreciated by the fans.
It looks as if Brett Holman will be!
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As I said to amfy, Mr amfy and Liz after the game, he reminds me of a Bremner or Carrodus.
At least I think I said it to them, or maybe it was the Amish bloke who sat by me.
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Some years ago when Sir Ronald of The Saunders breezed into Villa Park he bought Frank Carrodus from Man City. Carrodus worked so hard
each game Ron described him as having FIVE LUNGS.
Holman must be Franks love child. They both had the ability to cover to cover every blade of Villa Park... and then repeat it!
Frank like Des Bremner was never fully appreciated by the fans.
It looks as if Brett Holman will be!
Frank was my favourite player and I am not sure about Brett being his love child as Frank only loved running and tackling.
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Some years ago when Sir Ronald of The Saunders breezed into Villa Park he bought Frank Carrodus from Man City. Carrodus worked so hard
each game Ron described him as having FIVE LUNGS.
Holman must be Franks love child. They both had the ability to cover to cover every blade of Villa Park... and then repeat it!
Frank like Des Bremner was never fully appreciated by the fans.
It looks as if Brett Holman will be!
Frank was my favourite player and I am not sure about Brett being his love child as Frank only loved running and tackling.
mine to
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So who will win covering the grass competition Holman or Milner ?
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I don't remember Milner ever getting this amount of plaudits for lung-busting exertions. Brett pwns him.
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I think Saturday showed there is more to his game than just endless running and energy.
His pass completion and creativity was very good too.
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I'm shocked to see negatives about Holman.
Work and effort are the first blocks of success. And Holman has them.
Closing down and tackling is a personal thing - if you want the ball enough - you put in the effort to get it. And his example is infectious.
His touch and his eye for a pass are more dependent on his teammates - where they are - what positions they put themselves in. It would be fair to say that this aspect of his game has room for improvement - but then so has the team. As they train together more - get to know how their mates like to move - when and where they prefer to receive the ball - what little runs and feints they like to make - then we will see Holman and indeed the entire team begin to find those passes - and make those moves.
If his pass to Andy Weimann in the second half against Everton is any indication - I think we've found ourselves a good'un - and I hope he has found the club at which he can flourish and find success.
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Hear, hear
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I think this guy will grow into one of the most influential players for us this season; just think it's taking a while for him to find the pace of the game.
I think he's found the pace of the Premiership now! Awesome energy and anticipation on Staurday.
You know the stats that come out on Petrov - highest number of intercepts in a season, etc. Holman may just challenge that.
And I think he'll score a few this season too (remember that curling shot he scored on our pre-season tour?).
Thanks, TSM: you owed us.
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Holmans work ethic will be a big miss if he gets injured so I just hope he can stay fit and maintain his stamina levels...keep him fed with Weetabix and Shredded Wheat!
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Liked him from the start, scored a few goals pre season i think also. He's the only rookie in my Dream team this year, and proving successful !
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Brett Holman's superb performances against West Brom and Swansea City have seen him scoop Villa's player of the month award for September.
Holman, a summer arrival from Dutch club AZ Alkmaar, claimed the award after topping the man-of-the-match polls in the win over Swansea and Sunday's derby draw against the Baggies.
It means the Australian received three points each for the two man-of-the-match displays, as well as a point each for the Newcastle and Southampton clashes when he finished third in the polls.
Another new signing, Joe Bennett, was runner-up against West Brom with two points and goalscorer Darren Bent in third with one point.
Holman has surged to the top of the Terrace Trophy table, where he is tied with Karim El Ahmadi on eight points.
Last season's Terracy Trophy winner Stephen Ireland is third with six points, while Ron Vlaar, Bent and Brad Guzan all have four points.
The points from all the games will be calculated at the end of the season and the winner will receive the supporters player of the year award - the Terrace Trophy.
Previous winners of this prestigious award include Gareth Barry, Stiliyan Petrov, James Milner, Dennis Mortimer and Nigel Sims.
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Seems amiss not to mention Macca as a previous winner, he must have won it half-a-dozen times.
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Yeah bit odd to mention sims and not Macca
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Maybe they name different previous winners each month? And i'm guessing Sims gets mentioned a fair bit as he was the first winner.
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I think we've had a Player of the Year award for ages, which McGrath would've won loads of times. However, I think that it was the Terrace Trophy in the old days then just became plain old Player of the Year. They renamed it "Terrace Trophy" and brought the old trophy back at about the same time Randy took over as a nod to tradition. So God would've won Player of the Year, but not the Terrace Trophy.
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Decent player imo.
Not sure I'd have him starting every week but he's certainly one of the better squad players we've had in recent times.
I think he gets a hard time over his technique but if you look at the reading and arsenal games he was involved in our best attacking moves playing some good one twos.
And probably after Weimann he's been the player most unlucky not to score when you think of hitting the bar against Arsenal and the two great saves Foster made in the WBA game. Think he'll chip in with a few more goals as the season goes on as he did for AZ.
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It's hard to knock the bloke tbh, earns his money week in week out with his work ethic and attitude. As does Herd the other Aussie .
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It's hard to knock the bloke tbh, earns his money week in week out with his work ethic and attitude. As does Herd the other Aussie .
Hear, hear.
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I like how whenever they interview him on the official website he usually seems pissed off when we don't win. You'd expect that from any good professional sportsman, but its refreshing to see someone who obviously works his bollocks off and isnt ever happy with second best.
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I like Holman, some of our quality interplay on Saturday involved him. He puts great effort in, he just needs to concentrate on his passing sometimes but he's a good player.
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Starting to look a bit of a revelation imo, chipping in with goals and assists now.
I think he's not as bad technically as some think, quite a lot of our good moves and one-twos he's usually involved in.
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Starting to look a bit of a revelation imo, chipping in with goals and assists now.
I think he's not as bad technically as some think, quite a lot of our good moves and one-twos he's usually involved in.
I don't know HQ, he tends to give the ball away quite a bit and he misplaces passes that a top flight player really should make. Saying that, his workrate is tremendous and it is hard to criticise any player that is willing to graft like that.
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Think he has be playing really well lately and is only gunna get even better,that goal at Norwich was a great strike and was unlucky not to score the winner against Arsenal. He was free aswell,can't complain too much
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Good goal at QPR, even better goal at Norwich, assist at Liverpool. His major contributions are getting closer together as he adjusts to the league, and can anybody remember a similar sequence involving Ireland?
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Good goal at QPR, even better goal at Norwich, assist at Liverpool. His major contributions are getting closer together as he adjusts to the league, and can anybody remember a similar sequence involving Ireland?
Agreed. His problem was never having the quality in the first place, just the consistency of its execution. Earlier in the season he would often play three good passes, one gem, then two inexplicably poor ones. It's entirely possible to imagine that this was down to him still coming to grips with the pace of the league, and he's getting better and better.
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There are also goals where he might not be the scorer or the person making the assist but his constant running makes it difficult for defenders. Gary Neville did an interesting bit of analysis on us tonight. He showed the third goal - obviously Holman pressed Joe Cole to win the ball back but his run to the left of Benteke meant that Skrtel wasn't able to try to tackle Benteke outside of the box. The run cast doubt in Skrtel's mind because if he had committed himself, Benteke could have been through or put Holman in.
Neville also commented about just how boring we were in the last few seasons with older players who were happy to settle for mediocrity. And how now we have a lot of kids playing for eachother and the sort of football we are playing. He highlighted the second goal for that and said you probably won't see a better team goal all season.
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Good goal at QPR, even better goal at Norwich, assist at Liverpool. His major contributions are getting closer together as he adjusts to the league, and can anybody remember a similar sequence involving Ireland?
Agreed. His problem was never having the quality in the first place, just the consistency of its execution. Earlier in the season he would often play three good passes, one gem, then two inexplicably poor ones. It's entirely possible to imagine that this was down to him still coming to grips with the pace of the league, and he's getting better and better.
Also being in and out of the team. Now that he's getting a consistent run he seems to be less error prone.
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Gary Neville ain't a bad egg, is he? Punditry-wise, like. Compare his knowledge to Gobby Ravage.
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I really like Holman, his rob was key in one of our goals against Liverpool.
I love his work rate, I love his shot and as mentioned I love the fact he actually gives a damn.
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Gary Neville ain't a bad egg, is he? Punditry-wise, like. Compare his knowledge to Gobby Ravage.
He's bound to champion the Lambert approach, since he was part of the youth revolution at ManUre.
I can't really comment on his punditry since I have never had Sky (he's on Sky, right?).
But any comparison with Gobbby Cabbage is bound to be right, since your comparison is with the lowest common denominator.
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I think this guy will grow into one of the most influential players for us this season; just think it's taking a while for him to find the pace of the game.
This
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Holman has raised his game to his credit. No question about his commitment or workrate all season but he's gone up a level.Weimann has also gone up a level and although some will not have noticed so has Delph.
Lets hope they sustain it for the second half of the season because despite all the excitement of the last two games we are only three points away from the relegation places.
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Neville is a decent pundit. Probably the best at the moment. Certainly on SKY.
I can't stand that Ed Chamberlain bloke though. It's like he's just hatched from an Egg and finding it all so amazing. I don't trust him. Plus he does nothing but regurgitate cliche after cliche.
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Neville's analyses are good. All Shearer and co seem to come up with is the likes of 'it's a poor kick from the goalkeeper and so-and-so nets the tap-in'. Really? Tell me something I don't see.
Neville seems to manage that.
Andy Gray did in his early days, but stayed well past his sell-by date.
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Starting to look a bit of a revelation imo, chipping in with goals and assists now.
I think he's not as bad technically as some think, quite a lot of our good moves and one-twos he's usually involved in.
Agreed.
It was overlooked by a fair few, but it was his run into the box that stalled their centre back (Skirtl I think) giving Benteke the yard or two he needed for the 3rd goal.
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I think Holman works hard and has a goal in him, he needs replacing after 60 minutes,
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He's quite a tricky player to judge in some ways, Holman. Aside form his remarkable work-rate, he seems to lack a bit of composure on the ball, his passing can be a little....off, and he doesn't have too much in the way of tricks.
Yet when we do something good, he's invariably involved in some way. As Percy mentioned earlier, he's a better bet than Ireland in my opinion.
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Neville's analyses are good. All Shearer and co seem to come up with is the likes of 'it's a poor kick from the goalkeeper and so-and-so nets the tap-in'. Really? Tell me something I don't see.
Neville seems to manage that.
Andy Gray did in his early days, but stayed well past his sell-by date.
I am in agreement with this. Neville has had a great deal of recent playing experience at a very high level playing for a top manager (like it or not). The lolling back in the chair rubbish that comes out of the mouths of some of them is a joke.
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I'm probably in a minority of one, but I've always liked the Nevilles. Played like fans, which of course they were, and Gary's a bit of a lefty as well.
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I'm probably in a minority of one, but I've always liked the Nevilles. Played like fans, which of course they were, and Gary's a bit of a lefty as well.
I disliked them intensely when they were playing against us but thought they were alright otherwise, they always had a bit more about them than your average footballer.
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Gary Neville has never been known for his personality. But his enthusiasm and knowledge of tactics of the "modern game appears to be better and more understanding than any of the old dinosaurs on the Sky panel. Lawrence and Hanson are totally one eyed and avoid any recognition of any club that play well against their team which is in tatters. Neville says it as it is regardless of whether it is against his former club .....
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Gary Neville ain't a bad egg, is he? Punditry-wise, like. Compare his knowledge to Gobby Ravage.
he did say Villa park is his favourite ground, but we know why .
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I'm probably in a minority of one, but I've always liked the Nevilles. Played like fans, which of course they were, and Gary's a bit of a lefty as well.
I could never bring myself to hate them. I thought Phil was a bit rubbish, but couldn't quite fathom why anyone other than Liverpool fans hate them - and hey, RedScouse hating many people is enough for me to like them.
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Lawrence and Hanson are totally one eyed and avoid any recognition of any club that play well against their team which is in tatters.
That's clearly not true. Lawro waxed lyrical about us on Saturday night.
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Lawrence and Hanson are totally one eyed and avoid any recognition of any club that play well against their team which is in tatters.
That's clearly not true. Lawro waxed lyrical about us on Saturday night.
I was talking pre Saturday night. He has predicted us to lose the last three games ......
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For me Holman is the equal of James Milner, we're lucky to have him.
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Lawrence and Hanson are totally one eyed and avoid any recognition of any club that play well against their team which is in tatters.
That's clearly not true. Lawro waxed lyrical about us on Saturday night.
I was talking pre Saturday night. He has predicted us to lose the last three games ......
In his defence, I think half of our fans predicted we'd lose the last three games.
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Lawrence and Hanson are totally one eyed and avoid any recognition of any club that play well against their team which is in tatters.
That's clearly not true. Lawro waxed lyrical about us on Saturday night.
I was talking pre Saturday night. He has predicted us to lose the last three games ......
In his defence, I think half of our fans predicted we'd lose the last three games.
Lets just say it will be interesting to hear what he has to say about AVFC in the next few games ..........
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For me Holman is the equal of James Milner, we're lucky to have him.
That might be going a bit far.
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Just a bit!
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Wasn't till i got home and saw 'lowlights' of the villa wigan that Holman hit the bar i amongst others down the other end had seen it as a shot that went for a throw ! I often notice holman runs around and often past opponents something i never seen many other players do - and he's the experience (in age)
brett has come out and said that could do with a few signings of experience to tell lads to stay calm players who have 200-300 premier league games..
That makes sense. Maybe timmy cahill another Aussie will come in.
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Gary Neville ain't a bad egg, is he? Punditry-wise, like. Compare his knowledge to Gobby Ravage.
as you wrote before neviller said it was good to have the younger players this season wow that just says alot of the obvious said that last few season had too many old players and now with all these young players we are better ??
He just copy the idea of lamberts young and hungary vision. No thought.
Gary Neville is like so many is cliche and overated -says what he sees.. That analysis on young players being full of energy changes to inexperience players when losses occurs.. Today neviller spoke drivel about raheem sterling just before start to qpr match. Said passed many test already this season and this could be hardest as it was an emotional test as 'probably' all his friends and family would be there.
Okay this is for another thread but likes of Pat Nevin and Steve claridge offer alot more in my opinion. Pat nevin especially.
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Found the thread...
Any how
In all seriousness, after a promising start working his nads off, what has happened to Holman!!! He is completely anonymous when he comes on, did not touch the ball yesterday and was woeful at Albion.
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holman wanker of the week on this thread!
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Like most of them, the confidence has gone.
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He's not very good.
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Found the thread...
Any how
In all seriousness, after a promising start working his nads off, what has happened to Holman!!! He is completely anonymous when he comes on, did not touch the ball yesterday and was woeful at Albion.
Agreed, I went OTT about him before xmas on account of some decent games at QPR, Liverpool and Norwich. In reality a very limited player who I'd imagine very few clubs outside of eredivise will be interested in signing him in the summer (same as KEA).
Those will be our experienced players in the championship.
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Having watched him this season, I just don't think he has got the ability on the ball to play in a central position. Not sure what he is like out wide, but that is the only role I can see him playing.
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His touch is shocking and he seems to have lost his work rate, so is now absolutely hopeless.
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Very poor, surely he wasn't that bad in Holland?
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Holman has lost his main asset and that's his workrate and pressing on opponents. He was utterly invisible yesterday when he came on, just have to wonder wth has happened to him.
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He was ace for an hour at Norwich, was influential in the Liverpool win, and has been utterly gash every time I've seen him since.
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Worse than useless coming on as a sub, useful when he starts, the evidence would suggest
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There's a footballer in there some where.
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There's a footballer in there some where.
Yes, but he's hobbling round in an emaciated tramps body.
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There's a footballer in there some where.
I think there's an athlete in there, but like NRC before him, just being able to gallop up and down the pitch for 90 minutes doesn't mean that the bloke can play football.
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He can't manage 90 minutes. He doesn't have the intelligence to know when to run and as a result ends up tired out after 60 minutes resulting in his substitution. Another poor signing that needs to be offloaded in the summer.
Does anyone know what he was doing for Everton's third goal. He just stood in a part of the box where there was nobody else so he wasn't marking anyone. We had nobody on the front post (which might have been useful) - although Weimann did stand about 3 yards in front of the front post. That's 2 players that could have been utilised better on a set piece which we could have got 3 points from.
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Weimann learned from the final goal though, as in the 97th when they slung a corner into the same place he was front door and got a good head away.
Holman has stopped pressing, so what is the point? Out wide I can see it in a 4-4-2 helping out the full back and playing as a genuine wide player.
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He does have ability but he seems unable to utilise it. His performances on the whole are nothingness and unless he can harness his ability I'd much rather see Carruthers getting a chance.
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I think most of us would like to see Carruthers given at least two games to prove he has something to offer the team.
Lambert hasnt given him the chance however . I wonder why that is?
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Is there some sort of connection with Brett Holman that I'm missing?
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Three posts above.
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Ah. I was only reading today's posts. I see Carruther's is still playing for the U19's so perhaps Lambert still feels it would be a little early to be throwing him in? Especially with what he would be throwing him into right now. Holman's not going to get into the team whilst N'Zogbia's playing well. Whatever happens, I think there will be a big clearout in the summer.
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Holman has not delivered on the promise I thought he had.
Shame.
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He'll be off in the summer.
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Bit like KEA for me. Had some decent games at the start of the season and during the xmas period pre chelsea but well and truely found out since that game.
Can't see us moving him on though unless a dutch club wants him.
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Holman strikes me as being like James Milner, with all the running, but none of the other stuff.
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Not seen him played as an out-and-out wide player so can't comment on him in that position, but I don't think he is good enough on the ball to play in a more central role. His first touch, passing ability and general awareness are way short of what is required to play in a central role in the top flight.
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Holman strikes me as being like James Milner, with all the running, but none of the other stuff.
Agreed. Anyway, I'm glad he's turned out to be shite after all, as it looked for a while like we might have had to give McLeish some credit where it was due! ;)
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Holman strikes me as being like James Milner, with all the running, but none of the other stuff.
Agreed. Anyway, I'm glad he's turned out to be shite after all, as it looked for a while like we might have had to give McLeish some credit where it was due! ;)
That's a good point.
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Bit like KEA for me. Had some decent games at the start of the season and during the xmas period pre chelsea but well and truely found out since that game.
Why is it that he's been 'found out', thereby presuming the form post Chelsea is the real him, as opposed the the early form being more true and he's suffered, along with the rest of the team, from a massive drop in confidence?
I think we're too quick to write players off sometimes.
He's certainly not a world beater, but could still be a valuable member of the squad.
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Bit like KEA for me. Had some decent games at the start of the season and during the xmas period pre chelsea but well and truely found out since that game.
Why is it that he's been 'found out', thereby presuming the form post Chelsea is the real him, as opposed the the early form being more true and he's suffered, along with the rest of the team, from a massive drop in confidence?
I think we're too quick to write players off sometimes.
He's certainly not a world beater, but could still be a valuable member of the squad.
I agree, John.
Maybe, we're just beginning to get a bit of confidence back now, so hopefully form will improve too. I think we've really missed a confident, on form Holman.
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I wouldn't say we've missed him, as the confident, on form N'Zogbia is much better than the Holman equivalent, but getting him back to decent form would certainly be of benefit for the run in.
I see him as a sub coming on when we're winning/holding on for fresh legs to chase and occupy an oppositions defence.
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On form he should be pushing Weimann for that right sided spot, to enable Charley to stay central.
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Holman strikes me as being like James Milner, with all the running, but none of the other stuff.
Agreed. Anyway, I'm glad he's turned out to be shite after all, as it looked for a while like we might have had to give McLeish some credit where it was due! ;)
That's a good point.
+1
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Bit like KEA for me. Had some decent games at the start of the season and during the xmas period pre chelsea but well and truely found out since that game.
Why is it that he's been 'found out', thereby presuming the form post Chelsea is the real him, as opposed the the early form being more true and he's suffered, along with the rest of the team, from a massive drop in confidence?
I think we're too quick to write players off sometimes.
He's certainly not a world beater, but could still be a valuable member of the squad.
He's not great technically but pre xmas he played his part in some of our best moves like the Benteke goal against Liverpool and he played very well at Norwich.
Last two games he's come on as sub vs WBA and Everton he's barely touched the ball. There's a lack of confidence and then there's barely touching the ball in games.
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I wouldn't say we've missed him, as the confident, on form N'Zogbia is much better than the Holman equivalent, but getting him back to decent form would certainly be of benefit for the run in.
I see him as a sub coming on when we're winning/holding on for fresh legs to chase and occupy an oppositions defence.
Yes, CN'Zs form, of late, has been a huge bonus, as has the form of Delph.
I wasn't meaning to imply that Holman should be starting games, just that we've missed the option.
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He's gone then.
Never really looked like he'd be all that good to be honest, so won't really be missed.
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Confirmation (http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~3217313,00.html)
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Holman strikes me as being like James Milner, with all the running, but none of the other stuff.
Disagree paulie. James Milner runs for 90 minutes. Holman runs harder than Milner for 10 minutes and is fucked for the other 80.
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bye
Confirmation (http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~3217313,00.html)
bye . went shit and then moaned PL was not picking him
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Shame it didn't work out. He tried his best so best of luck to him.
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Shame it didn't work out. He tried his best so best of luck to him.
Agree with this, at least the bloke tried which is more than some others who have pulled on a Villa shirt.
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bye Confirmation (http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~3217313,00.html)
bye . went shit and then moaned PL was not picking him
Nothing wrong with moaning that you aren't picked. He tried his best and it wasn't good enough. That's the way it goes.
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bye Confirmation (http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~3217313,00.html)
bye . went shit and then moaned PL was not picking him
Nothing wrong with moaning that you aren't picked. He tried his best and it wasn't good enough. That's the way it goes.
Agreed, I wish him luck, he always came across well and when he did have a whinge it was purely based on wanting to play more, I'll never fault anyone for that. The main reason I dislike Ireland so much is that he seems perfectly happy to not play.
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Same here.
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Good luck Brett. Always worked your socks off and most fans will appreciate the effort you put in .
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Shame it didn't work out here for him, but this is probably best for all concerned.
Best of luck, Brett!
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Here here. Can't fault his effort, but he stood still whilst the first XI progressed ahead of him.
Enjoy building your retirement fund in Duabi, Brett.
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I wish Holman all the best. He always gave 110% effort even if the final product was a tad short of top quality. I would rather have a player like Holman on my team than any number of prima donnas (and we all know who they are in this club and others) who are prepared to sit on the bench once they have landed the big four year contract.
He came in on a free transfer and from what we can read between the lines has left by mutual consent also on a free. Correct me if I am wrong on this.
In this day and age that is amazing! Holman knew that his first team chances of playing on a regular basis next season may be limited. He also has hopes of playing in the World Cup for the Socceroos. Kudos to him for finding a team where he will get a regular competitive game and also kudos to Lambert and Faulkner if they worked to help Holman accomplish that.
I will be looking out for his shirt if the Aussies select him for World Cup play and as long as he isnt playing against England, I will cheer him on. Top Bloke in my books. Just wish he had a little bit more quality to match his eagerness to succeed.
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I can remember at least two times that he came on and gave about 3%. Looked half arsed and contributed nothing. Just to balance the posts about him being some sort of effort machine. He was a bit rubbish and I am glad he has gone.
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Holman's the type of player who needed to play as part of a 4 man midfield. When he used to come on as sub in 3 man midfield, it seemed to weaken us. I suppose with the World Cup coming up, he needs to play as much as possible so it's best for him really.
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Was never good enough but could never fault his effort and commitment, I wish him well with his new club.
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I can remember at least two times that he came on and gave about 3%. Looked half arsed and contributed nothing. Just to balance the posts about him being some sort of effort machine. He was a bit rubbish and I am glad he has gone.
Good luck to the chap, but I'm another not convinced by the "effort and commitment" line. Early in the season I took pelters for daring to criticise him for making an incredibly feeble effort to close down a player - I think it was Piennaar for Everton - who as a result had time and space to curl the ball into the net. He did it again away to Swansea just before their equaliser, a massively limp-wristed attempt to challenge the winger who strolled past him and put in the cross which led to the goal. Running around a lot to no great effect doesn't really cut it for me, but then I'm no TSM.
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I can remember at least two times that he came on and gave about 3%. Looked half arsed and contributed nothing. Just to balance the posts about him being some sort of effort machine. He was a bit rubbish and I am glad he has gone.
Good luck to the chap, but I'm another not convinced by the "effort and commitment" line. Early in the season I took pelters for daring to criticise him for making an incredibly feeble effort to close down a player - I think it was Piennaar for Everton - who as a result had time and space to curl the ball into the net. He did it again away to Swansea just before their equaliser, a massively limp-wristed attempt to challenge the winger who strolled past him and put in the cross which led to the goal. Running around a lot to no great effect doesn't really cut it for me, but then I'm no TSM.
Agree completely. I made the same point a few days ago about Newcastle away not being the only time he had just let a player totally sail past him. That might be ok if you are Berbatov or Hernandez but not if you are supposed to be some all action midfield dynamo. I personally thought he was crap, a lesser version of Reo-Coker and that is an insult indeed
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Good luck Brett. He runs all day! May not have been good enough but still tried his heart out.
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I can remember at least two times that he came on and gave about 3%. Looked half arsed and contributed nothing. Just to balance the posts about him being some sort of effort machine. He was a bit rubbish and I am glad he has gone.
Good luck to the chap, but I'm another not convinced by the "effort and commitment" line. Early in the season I took pelters for daring to criticise him for making an incredibly feeble effort to close down a player - I think it was Piennaar for Everton - who as a result had time and space to curl the ball into the net. He did it again away to Swansea just before their equaliser, a massively limp-wristed attempt to challenge the winger who strolled past him and put in the cross which led to the goal. Running around a lot to no great effect doesn't really cut it for me, but then I'm no TSM.
I agree with the two posts above.
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Just to add some balance here, he probably ran more in 1 game for us than Ireland has done in 3 years so far. To question his effort appears a tad harsh.
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Just to add some balance here, he probably ran more in 1 game for us than Ireland has done in 3 years so far. To question his effort appears a tad harsh.
In comparison to Ireland then of course.
But that's like saying Stuart Hall's child minding skills were better than Savilles.
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Indeed he managed to "look busy" without actually doing much, which fooled a few people. Whereas Ireland makes it look effortless, because it is.
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Exactly, Ireland has a languid stlye but at least looks to get into dangerous positions. It's all a bit frantic with Holman.
It is a shame he didn't pull up any trees. I remember last year shortly after it was announced we had signed him on a pre-contract, I saw him score a peach of a goal for his former club (Alkmaar?) in the Europa League and thought we had pulled off a great deal. Has a decent shot on him and at times, perhaps when he has to be instinctive like Gabby, his one-touch passes can be good. If his effort that hit the post at home to Wigan had gone in we possibly would have gone on to draw or win that game, maybe that was his "could have been" moment. I don't remember him starting too many after that.
Another player in our ranks you could say that if he was surrounded by better players and not youngsters in a struggling team he might have flourished. But as one of the senior players you would have expected more from him. A pity but no great loss. Best of luck.
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Bye bye attacking midfielder who loved to run past players with the ball. BUT the ball was always with the opposition an he was running past them. Good luck I enjoyed that he liked to have a long range shot especially when he scored that great goal against Rangers. Holman was given a range of positions across the middle and attack and did okay though he was weak in his passing accuracy! that said he did do a few assists and even though he played in mainly losing teams he did what he could! I think he will have a positive impact in UAE and can make the most of his season before he goes to world up
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What happened to him being the 'new Des Bremner'? ;)
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Clearly not good enough and being a former Manager's purchase makes him a sure fire winner for the exit door. Good business all round.
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What happened to him being the 'new Des Bremner'? ;)
as Des is now
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Clearly not good enough and being a former Manager's purchase makes him a sure fire winner for the exit door. Good business all round.
Good business would have been getting a fee for him. As it is, meh.
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Clearly not good enough and being a former Manager's purchase makes him a sure fire winner for the exit door. Good business all round.
Good business would have been getting a fee for him. As it is, meh.
I'd have settled for this. We don't pay him up for the rest of his contract, they don'd give us a transfer fee. It would probably come to just about the same sort of price really Eamonn.
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Not good enough - not through lack of effort just talent.
All the best and all that. We have had and still much worse players
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Whilst not sad to see him go, I'd much rather have him on the bench than Ireland, KEA, Herd, Albrighton. Still lots of clearing out to be done.
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Amaziing what claret coloured glasses you can have on during pre-season. I remember saying to my mate at Burton Albion, Holman is going to be fecking quality.
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Clearly not good enough and being a former Manager's purchase makes him a sure fire winner for the exit door. Good business all round.
Good business would have been getting a fee for him. As it is, meh.
I'd have settled for this. We don't pay him up for the rest of his contract, they don'd give us a transfer fee. It would probably come to just about the same sort of price really Eamonn.
True enough. Maybe if there had been other clubs interested we might have got something.
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Whilst not sad to see him go, I'd much rather have him on the bench than Ireland, KEA, Herd, Albrighton. Still lots of clearing out to be done.
KEA and Herd are better then him IMO.
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Best of luck Brett. Good luck in the future to a hard working and respectful professional footballer.
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Whilst not sad to see him go, I'd much rather have him on the bench than Ireland, KEA, Herd, Albrighton. Still lots of clearing out to be done.
Disagree. KEA might still go on to be an asset and Herd is very good at right back.
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I think KEA could come good. Once he settles into the pace a bit better. He's a tidy player, comfortable with the ball, he just needs to get up to speed. I don't see Lambert giving up on one of his own signings after just a year either.
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Whilst not sad to see him go, I'd much rather have him on the bench than Ireland, KEA, Herd, Albrighton. Still lots of clearing out to be done.
Disagree. KEA might still go on to be an asset and Herd is very good at right back.
Very good is stretching it - adequate cover at right back, and emergency backup in the centre of defence and midfield is probably fairer. He'd be good (maybe very good) in a team that TSM managed as he works his socks off and tackles well but his passing and movement will hold him back at anywhere trying to play good football.
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Whilst not sad to see him go, I'd much rather have him on the bench than Ireland, KEA, Herd, Albrighton. Still lots of clearing out to be done.
Disagree. KEA might still go on to be an asset and Herd is very good at right back.
Very good is stretching it - adequate cover at right back, and emergency backup in the centre of defence and midfield is probably fairer. He'd be good (maybe very good) in a team that TSM managed as he works his socks off and tackles well but his passing and movement will hold him back at anywhere trying to play good football.
The best performance I saw him give was (IMO) at right back against Wolves.
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Whilst not sad to see him go, I'd much rather have him on the bench than Ireland, KEA, Herd, Albrighton. Still lots of clearing out to be done.
Disagree. KEA might still go on to be an asset and Herd is very good at right back.
Very good is stretching it - adequate cover at right back, and emergency backup in the centre of defence and midfield is probably fairer. He'd be good (maybe very good) in a team that TSM managed as he works his socks off and tackles well but his passing and movement will hold him back at anywhere trying to play good football.
The best performance I saw him give was (IMO) at right back against Wolves.
I agree, I just disagree with the term 'very good' on the back of 1 good performance against a side that were relegated. Adequate cover is ok, if he gets to play at right back next year and does a good job then we can revisit it. I do believe his versatility in being able to perform reasonably in a number of positions gives him some value in the squad though and I'd have no problem keeping him so long as he's aware that he's a way down the pecking order in the centre of midfield.
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I agree he was excellent at Right back that day, I struggled to see why we signed Hutton when he could have done the job as well if not better! Having said that we were right to get rid of Holman
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Whilst not sad to see him go, I'd much rather have him on the bench than Ireland, KEA, Herd, Albrighton. Still lots of clearing out to be done.
Disagree. KEA might still go on to be an asset and Herd is very good at right back.
Very good is stretching it - adequate cover at right back, and emergency backup in the centre of defence and midfield is probably fairer. He'd be good (maybe very good) in a team that TSM managed as he works his socks off and tackles well but his passing and movement will hold him back at anywhere trying to play good football.
The best performance I saw him give was (IMO) at right back against Wolves.
I agree, I just disagree with the term 'very good' on the back of 1 good performance against a side that were relegated. Adequate cover is ok, if he gets to play at right back next year and does a good job then we can revisit it. I do believe his versatility in being able to perform reasonably in a number of positions gives him some value in the squad though and I'd have no problem keeping him so long as he's aware that he's a way down the pecking order in the centre of midfield.
I thought Herd had some good games in CMF during the TSM nightmare: away at L'pool and WBA spring to mind. Not just in terms of defensive play (his covering of FB was good) but he pinged a number of passes and had one or two goal attempts by arriving late on the edge of the box.
He's worth keeping but PL has to decide how best to use him; and in the context of the new arrivals he is only ever going to be a squad player.